Luke 8:40 (ESV) -- Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.

There are two kinds of waiting on Christ that exist today. In one sense, we are awaiting His return to the earth as victorious King. At that time, He will make all things new and usher in eternal life. The second sense in which we wait for Christ is in our day-to-day dependence and fellowship with Him. There is a desire to know Him and walk with Him each day. 

The second kind of waiting is the focus of our passage today. We read in Luke 8:40, “Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.” In Luke 8, Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee that is outside of Israel. He went and healed a man possessed by a demon. When Jesus returned from being on the other side, all the people were waiting for Him. 

Notice that the people awaited His return. They sought to be around Jesus. He not only provided displays of power, but His teaching possessed power and His presence brought peace. They were drawn to Him. The crowds gathered to wait for Him and welcome Him. They longed to be with Him.

This passage challenges me personally. It makes me ask myself how eager I am to fellowship with the Lord each day. It inspires me to seek Him above all things. Do you feel challenged by this passage? The people could not stand to be apart from Him. They awaited His arrival back so they could be in His presence. We need more of this today.

Churches would look different if they were filled with people waiting for Jesus. Our homes would look different as well. May the Lord deepen our longing to be in His presence.   

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Reflection & Journal:
- Why were the crowds waiting on Jesus? Where had He been?
- What does it look like to wait on Jesus today? What affections are revealed that we need to have?
- How can we cultivate hearts that desire to fellowship more with the Lord?

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